Air India memorial unveiled in Toronto

OTTAWA, June 23, 2007 – The families of victims of the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 were joined by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Toronto Mayor David Miller at the official dedication of the Air India memorial on Toronto's waterfront.

In 2005, the Government of Canada declared the day of the Air India bombing, June 23rd, the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. "This memorial acknowledges the bombing of Air India as one of Canada's greatest tragedies," said Jayashree Thampi, Head of the Air India Victims' Families Association Memorial Committee. "Above all, this memorial marks a path to eternal life for each one of our loved ones lost. Through our remembrance, on this waterfront, their lives live on forever."

Of the total $625,000 project cost, the federal government committed $400,000 and the provincial government contributed $225,000. Land for the memorial in Humber Bay East was donated by the City of Toronto in consultation with the Province of Ontario, the Air India Victims' Families Association, and the federal Air India Secretariat. Humber Bay Park East is located at Lake Shore Boulevard West near Park Lawn Road.

"As the first of several memorial sites is unveiled today in Toronto's Humber Bay Park East, our thoughts and prayers are with both the families of the Air India victims, and with all others whose loved ones have been taken by such senseless acts," said Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. "The dedication of this memorial to the lives lost is a solemn reminder of the need for our continued vigilance against any threats to Canada today."

The Air India Memorial creates a place of peace and repose as a counterpoint to the violence of terrorism. It does not focus on that act, rather it appeals to the better parts of the human spirit in its focus on repose, geometry and celestial reference. The memorial evokes the experience and some of the features of the Air India memorial in Akahista, Ireland – the location near where Air India Flight 182 went down.

"I want to thank these families for continuing to hope, and for reminding us of the power of hope to overcome hatred, create change and prevent tragedy," Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said. "For that, their fellow Canadians are forever grateful."

The key features of the memorial in Toronto are a sundial and inscription wall, bearing the names of the 329 people that were aboard Air India 182, and the two baggage handlers killed by an associated bomb in Narita Airport, Japan. The memorial also consists of pathways, plazas, retaining walls, low walls, benches, and central sundial. The plaza is part of an existing sloping grade and is situated in a glade with views to a lagoon and the shoreline. Stones donated by individuals, companies, and other provincial and international organizations were incorporated into the masonry wall that supports the sundial itself. These stones represent all of the Provinces and Territories of Canada, and the countries of India, Ireland, Japan, and the United States of America - all of whom were touched by the tragedy.

The plaza has a quarter-circle edge with three radiating steps, which is intended to evoke a temple-like effect, and which may be the place for adorning wreathes and flowers. The upper plaza is a place for observation and reflection, and it is adjacent to a small memorial garden which may over time be cultivated by visiting family members.

"Two hundred and eighty of the victims of this terrible act were Canadians, and a great majority of this number were from the Toronto area," said Toronto Mayor David Miller. "So, it is only fitting that this city honour the lives of these people with this memorial; and their families should know that the thoughts and prayers of all Torontonians are with them on this deeply saddening day." said Toronto Mayor David Miller.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863

Michel Payen-Dumont
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
416-314-7010
416-993-9200 (Cell)

City of Toronto Media Hotline: 416-560-8726